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The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season is ready to roll

Shawn Langdon expects to be even stronger in 2014 as he defends his Top Fuel championship. Photo by NHRA

When a competitor wins a championship for the first time, the question inevitably becomes, “What can you do for an encore?”

More specifically: Is Shawn Langdon just simply a flash in the pan, or can he truly become an NHRA Top Fuel all-time great?

Langdon won the Top Fuel title last year for the first time, but he's only 31, young enough to win more. Plus he drives for the powerhouse Al-Anabi team, and brilliant team manager Alan Johnson shows no signs of easing his desire to keep his team among the sport's elite.

Langdon wasn't content to live in the past not long after he wrapped up the 2013 championship.

“I've really fulfilled my lifelong dream, and I'm able to live it right now,” he said. “So, obviously, we're looking forward to [2014], and we're definitely looking at defending the Mello Yello Series world championship.”

Langdon won seven times last year, including two of the last three Countdown to the Championship races as pressure mounted for the title chase. He overcame a first-round holeshot loss in the first Countdown race to run away with the crown.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure for me, being the first time where I've been able to be in the Countdown and really be in these high-pressure situations,” Langdon said. “I think it's going to help because now I know how to handle it. Now I know what to expect. That was the biggest thing I was a little worried about, the fear of the unknown.

Tony Schumacher wants to keep winning on the track, and wants the NHRA to make changes off of it. Photo by NHRA

“I didn't really know how I was going to perform under the pressure. I know how the teams are going to perform. They've proven that in the past. But for me as a driver, I think now I just know what to expect. So I think now we can go out, have fun and extend this championship for the years to come.”

Langdon should have competition aplenty -- Don Schumacher Racing's three teams won't simply roll over and hand him another championship. Kalitta Racing's Doug Kalitta performed well in the season's second half but needs to step up his consistency for 2014.

While Langdon won his first title in 2013, John Force scored his 16th Funny Car championship. All eyes are again on John Force Racing, not just on the track. Longtime sponsor Castrol and longtime manufacturer Ford leave after this season, and Force has yet to secure replacements. Expect a full-court press from Force until he does.

John Force has yet to secure replacement sponsors for after the 2014 season. Photo by NHRA

The title contenders in Funny Car -- DSR and JFR -- should remain the same, though Tommy Johnson Jr. replaces the now-retired Johnny Gray in one DSR Dodge.

The Pro Stock landscape has changed since Pomona's 2013 season finale, though 2013 champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. and 2012 champion Allen Johnson both return as Dodge teammates and should be strong again. Championship contender Mike Edwards sold his operation to Chris McGaha, who might not make every race.

Vincent Nobile, a teammate to Coughlin and John-son, has formed an alliance with KB Racing drivers Jason Line and Greg Anderson; he should be a more consistent threat this year.

Shane Gray's team merged with Cagnazzi Racing and employs a two-car Chevy outfit for Gray and talented driver Dave Connolly.

Popular Erica Enders-Stevens left Cagnazzi for Elite Motorsports, the Pomona winner with Rickie Jones driving.

The season opens Feb. 6-9 with the Circle K Winternationals in Pomona.